WiFi antenna have always been a bit of a home brew affair. First there was the cantenna, which was made from a Pringle’s can. This got one upped by the coffee can antenna. Over the summer, Popular Science published plans for a parabolic antenna.
Now the folks are getting serious. Engadget is showing the plans for an antenna made from a mini satellite dish. There are material lists, and photos of each step. This thing is quite strong. We’re talking 18 networks at once, from up to 8 miles away! Remind me to turn on the WEP on my router.
Good job on that dish antenna! For more long range antennas, havea look at my construction guides at:
http://www.ab9il.net/wifi1.html
For popular USB wireless adapters there are also external antenna mods that work great. You can get much better performance with simple mods (generally no need for amplifiers).
Regards,
Phil AB9IL